Softball Suffers Third Loss to Iowa

April 22, 2012

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State softball team played host to Iowa for the final game of a three-game series on Sunday (April 22) at Secchia Stadium. The Spartans were the first to get on the scoreboard, but were ultimately defeated 4-1 by the Hawkeyes.

Junior Kylene Hopkins was the lead-off batter for Michigan State and saw four straight balls for a walk to first. Next up was senior Lori Padilla who singled to left field and advanced Hopkins to second. Sophomore Sarah Bowling followed suit with another single to left field to load the bases and MSU scored with a fielder's choice off a sacrifice grounder by junior Jayme O'Bryant.

The Hawkeyes made it a tie game with a solo home run in the top of the second and then took the lead with another run in the fourth. Iowa's game-winning run came when Michelle Zoeller singled and advanced on the throw, giving the runner on second enough time to score. The Hawkeyes gained some insurance with two more runs in the top of the sixth. There were runners on second and third when Malloree Grove singled to left field and a fielding error allowed both to reach home safely.

Freshman Carly Nielsenwas the starter for MSU and was also in the eight spot of the batting order. In her first at-bat of the day, the newcomer tabbed her first career hit with a single to the shortstop. In the circle, Nielsen threw for her third complete game of the year, but was given the loss after allowing three earned runs.

The Spartan offense was led by Hopkins and Padilla, who each got on base twice in three at-bats. Hopkins was walked, posted one single and scored one run while Padilla tabbed two singles of her own.

Michigan State will hit the road next week when they travel to Notre Dame, Ind. on Tuesday (April 24) before heading to Nebraska next weekend. The Spartans and the Fighting Irish will face off at 6 p.m. ET in the Melissa Cook Stadium.